Zanu (PF) sets up militia bases in rural Matabeleland

By Tichaona Sibanda
26 March 2007

Zanu (PF) is already setting up militia camps and bases in many parts of Matabeleland region ahead of the anticipated harmonised presidential and parliamentary elections next year, the opposition MDC said on Monday.

MDC MP for Nkayi in Matabeleland South, Abednico Bhebhe, claimed that the militias were deployed with specific instructions to flush out MDC activists from opposition strongholds. It’s reported the militias’ violent campaign has been met with stiff resistance from villagers who have vowed not to be bullied and harassed by the regime.

‘I was in my constituency the last four days and people were telling me they would rather stay put and confront the militias. They are no longer afraid and they were telling me gone are the days when the regime terrorised villagers,’ Bhebhe said.

Thembiso Nyoni, a minister in Robert Mugabe’s government, has held several rallies in Nkayi in the last two weeks where she has been telling her supporters to prepare for both presidential and parliamentary elections next year, according to Bhebhe.

‘It’s no longer a secret that both elections would be held next year. Zanu (PF) officials and ministers have been told and so what remains is for the regime to announce the dates for the elections,’ he added.

As before Bhebhe hinted that the impending elections can never be free and fair as the militia camps are meant to frighten villagers into voting for the ruling party. During the last three elections since 2000 Zanu (PF) has used its militia to kill, torture and intimidate MDC activists, mainly in rural areas.

Bhebhe, who is from the Mutambara MDC, said the opposition will trounce Zanu (PF) if they contest the elections using a new constitution as well as merging into a united force against the regime.